URGENT UPDATE: The Stockton community is reeling after the tragic loss of 8-year-old Journey Rose Reotutar Guerrero, one of four victims killed in a mass shooting last weekend. The devastating incident also left more than a dozen others injured, causing profound grief among students and staff at Commodore Stockton Skills School.
In heartfelt tributes, Journey’s classmates are sharing memories that highlight her vibrant spirit. “She was nice, funny, kind, a good friend … she was smart, and she had good handwriting,” said Sarahjoy, a close friend of Journey’s. The emotional weight of this loss is felt deeply across the community.
Community member Erika Flores, whose daughter was a close friend of Journey, expressed her heartbreak, stating, “My heart sank, and I began to cry because it’s so sad that this innocent little girl’s life was stolen. My heart goes out to her mom and her family. I can’t imagine how they’re feeling.”
In response to the tragedy, the Stockton Unified School District has deployed its crisis team to provide immediate support to grieving students. District spokesperson Melinda Meza confirmed that counselors, psychologists, and mental health clinicians are on-site to assist those impacted. “It’s a terrible feeling for a parent to try to explain something like this to an 8-year-old,” Meza stated. “That’s why it was so important that we had all of our counselors and crisis team available.”
Some students who witnessed the shooting are receiving additional mental health support. Meza assured that the district is committed to ensuring every child has access to the care they need during this difficult time. “We made sure our counselors, psychologists, and mental health clinicians were working with them, and we could also say at other school sites as well,” she added.
As a tribute to Journey, students have placed flowers and heartfelt drawings on her desk. “We did something to remind us of Journey,” Sarahjoy shared, emphasizing the importance of keeping her memory alive within the school community.
Flores reflected on the broader implications of this tragedy, urging the community to consider the far-reaching effects of violence. “It just shows we need to really think about the choices we make, because they have ripples, not just affecting us, but a whole community,” she said.
The pain of this loss resonates strongly in Stockton, highlighting the urgent need for community support and understanding in the wake of such senseless violence.
As the investigation continues and the community seeks healing, authorities are expected to provide further updates on the shooting. Stay tuned for more developments as this tragic story unfolds.
